2008 BLUE BIRD MICRO BIRD Recalls (18)

Campaign:
07V501000 on 10/28/2007
Component:
Equipment
Manufactured:
09/04/2007 - 10/14/2007
Affected:
17
Defect:
Certain 2008 blue bird micro bird school buses manufactured between september 5 and october 15, 2007. the subject buses were manufactured without a rear emergency door audible alarm/buzzer which fails to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 217, 'bus emergency exits and window retention and release.'
Consequence:
This standard establishes requirements for the retention of windows other than windshields in buses, and establishes operating forces, opening dimensions, and markings for bus emergency exits. the purpose o f this standard is to minimize the likelihood of occupants being thrown from the bus and to provide a means of readily accessible emergency egress.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on february 4, 2008. owners can contact blue bird at 478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r07mn.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V062000 on 02/06/2008
Component:
Exterior lighting:turn signal
Manufactured:
09/30/2007 - 01/27/2008
Affected:
45
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 45 my 2008-2009 micro-bird school buses manufactured from october 1, 2007 through january 28, 2008, mounted on general motors chassis with option 3016-05 or 30117-05 led rear turn signals. these buses fail to comply with the flash rate requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." the subject lights operate at approximately 180 flashes per minute and the standard requirement is 60-120 flashes per minute.
Consequence:
This standard specifies requirements for required original and replacement lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment and their installation. the purpose is to reduce traffic crashes, deaths and injuries resulting from crashes by providing adequate illumination of the roadway, and enhancing the conspicuity of motor vehicles on the public roads so that their presence is perceived and their signals understood, both in daylight and in darkness or other conditions of reduced visibility.
Correction:
Owners will be provided with a resistor to be installed in the turn signal circuit which will bring the led rear turn signal flash rate with standard requirements. the recall began on march 31, 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08mx.customers may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V163000 on 04/09/2008
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
05/02/2005 - 02/14/2008
Affected:
2,129
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 2,129 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses manufactured between may 3, 2005 and february 15, 2008, equipped with ricon model 1200, 2000, and 5500 platform style wheel chair lifts. these buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Consequence:
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Correction:
Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). the recall is expected to begin on or about april 28, 2008. owners may contact ricon at 1-800-322-2884 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08na.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V163000 on 04/09/2008
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
05/02/2005 - 02/14/2008
Affected:
2,129
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 2,129 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses manufactured between may 3, 2005 and february 15, 2008, equipped with ricon model 1200, 2000, and 5500 platform style wheel chair lifts. these buses fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 404, "platform lift installations in motor vehicles." the threshold warning system may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user in a certain spot within the defined threshold area.
Consequence:
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move unintentionally.
Correction:
Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts free of charge (please see 07e095). the recall is expected to begin on or about april 28, 2008. owners may contact ricon at 1-800-322-2884 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird recall no. r08na.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V395000 on 08/13/2008
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
03/31/2005 - 12/30/2007
Affected:
2,503
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 2,503 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. these lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. the pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. the lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Consequence:
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Correction:
Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts (please see 07e097). the recall began on september 30, 2008. owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall no. r08nh.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V395000 on 08/13/2008
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
03/31/2005 - 12/30/2007
Affected:
2,503
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 2,503 my 2006-2008 all american, conventional, and micro bird school and transit buses equipped with ricon platform style wheelchair lifts. these lifts fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 403, "platform lift systems for motor vehicles." the anti-stow interlock may not detect the presence of a wheelchair or mobility aid user. the pressure sensing switch that detects the presence of weight on the platform was not adjusted to the necessary sensitivity level. the lift could stow even though someone or something is still on the lift.
Consequence:
A lift occupant can be injured should the lift begin to stow unintentionally.
Correction:
Blue bird is working with ricon to correct the wheelchair lifts (please see 07e097). the recall began on september 30, 2008. owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall no. r08nh.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
08V435000 on 08/26/2008
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
07/26/2005 - 08/19/2008
Affected:
803
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 803 my 2006 through 2009 micro bird school buses manufactured from july 27, 2005, through august 20, 2008, equipped with optional wheelchair lifts. the wheelchair lift enable switch, if set to the "off" position while the lift is deployed can render the wheelchair interlocks inoperative.
Consequence:
When the lift enable switch is activated the door brake interlocks could be disabled and the bus could be moved while the lift is deployed which could result in property damage or personal injury.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the recall began on october 22, 2008. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall no. r08nm.customers may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
09V251000 on 07/05/2009
Component:
Seats
Manufactured:
09/28/2007 - 05/01/2009
Affected:
69
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling 69 model year 2008 through 2010 micro bird and vision school buses manufactured from september 29, 2007 through may 2, 2009, equipped with optional 34 inch offset barrier. the offset leg of the barrier frame may have been located incorrectly and incorrect padding may have been installed on the 34 inch offset barriers which fails to comply with the leg protection zone requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."
Consequence:
Vehicle occupants may suffer injuries in the event of a vehicle crash.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and replace the barrier pads with a new designed pad free of charge. the safety recall began on august 12, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign no. r09pj.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
09V328000 on 08/12/2009
Component:
Seats
Manufactured:
08/27/2007 - 05/05/2009
Affected:
37,095
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2004 through 2010 all american, vision, micro bird, and conventional school buses manufactured between january 30, 2003 and may 7, 2009. incorrect offset leg barrier pads or 2/3 seat back pads may have been installed. buses with incorrect pads installed fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 222, "school bus passenger seating and crash protection."
Consequence:
In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the seat occupant(s).
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. the safety recall began on september 18, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r09pm.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
09V335000 on 08/24/2009
Component:
Other:school bus stop arm assembly
Manufactured:
04/17/2008 - 02/10/2009
Affected:
3,736
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2009 all american, vision, and micro bird school buses manufactured between april 18, 2008 and february 11, 2009, equipped with specialty manufacturing, inc. (smi) 000290 led light kits. a change to the wire used in the led light kits may reduce the effective life of the lights used on the stop arms. the lights may stop functioning without warning.
Consequence:
Should the led lights stop functioning, visibility of a stopped bus would be decreased, possibly endangering a child or pedestrian to injury by passing vehicles.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and the buses will be repaired free of charge. repairs will be performed by smi. the safety recall began on september 24, 2009. owners may contact smi warranty service at 1-800-951-7867 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number r09ps.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
09V450000 on 11/19/2009
Component:
Equipment:other:labels
Manufactured:
08/30/2005 - 09/26/2009
Affected:
376
Defect:
Certain model year 2006 through 2010 blue bird micro bird single rear wheel model school buses manufactured from august 31, 2005 through september 27, 2009, fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." if the vehicle is not equipped with a spare tire, then the tire and loading placard should indicate "none" under the size and recommended tire inflation pressure. the placard listed inflation pressure for a spare tire that was the same as the front tire inflation pressure.
Consequence:
Inflation pressure required for the rear tires could be higher than the front tire which could cause premature tire wear resulting in a potential tire failure, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Correction:
Blue bird will provide replacement tire and loading placards with the appropriate spare tire indicated to owners free of charge. the campaign began on december 29, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's campaign number is r09px.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
09V479000 on 12/16/2009
Component:
Structure:body:roof and pillars
Manufactured:
08/27/2007 - 10/28/2009
Affected:
1,702
Defect:
Blue bird is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 micro bird school buses manufactured from august 28, 2007 through october 29, 2009. an incorrect number of rivets may have been installed in the front roof cap that attaches to the front roof sheet. these buses fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 221, "school bus body joint strength."
Consequence:
An inadequate number of rivets in the roof would increase the risk of injury to the bus occupants in the event of a crash.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners and repair the buses free of charge. the safety recall began on december 29, 2009. owners may contact blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's campaign number is r09py.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
10V133000 on 04/05/2010
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
12/12/2007 - 01/17/2010
Affected:
1,622
Defect:
Blue bird has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2011 all american, conventional, and micro bird school buses manufactured from december 13, 2007 through january 18, 2010 equipped with ricon model s or k series public use wheelchair lifts. the restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. in this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. if the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.
Consequence:
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.
Correction:
Blue bird is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. the safety recall began on april 27, 2010. owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r10rt.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
10V134000 on 04/05/2010
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
12/15/2007 - 12/20/2009
Affected:
23
Defect:
Blue bird has notified nhtsa about a defect in certain model year 2008 through 2010 all american, conventional, and micro bird transi buses manufactured from december 16, 2007 through december 21, 2009 equipped with ricon model s or k series public use wheelchair lifts. the restraint belt on these lifts was designed to prevent the lift from moving, unless the tongue of the belt is fully engaged and latched in the buckle. ricon has discovered, however, that it is possible for the operator to insert the belt tongue into the buckle without fully engaging the latching mechanism. in this case, the restraint belt would appear to be latched, and the operator could run the lift. if the restraint belt tongue is not fully engaged into the restraint belt buckle, and latched, the lift may operate with an occupant on the platform.
Consequence:
The user of the lift could be injured should the lift move without the restraint belt properly buckled.
Correction:
Blue bird is working with ricon and ricon will be handling the remedy for this campaign. please see ricon's defect report 09e-060. ricon will provide customers with a warning decal and a dvd-based training aid. the safety recall began on april 27, 2010. owners may contact ricon at 1-818-267-3000 or blue bird at 1-478-822-2242.
Notes:
Blue bird's recall campaign number is r10rt.owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to <a href=http://www.safercar.gov>http://www.safercar.gov</a> .
Campaign:
14V510000 on 08/18/2014
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Affected:
5,114
Defect:
Blue bird body company (blue bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 all american and vision, 2007-2011 micro bird, and 2007-2008 conventional school buses equipped with certain model s2005, s2010, s5005, s5010, s5505, and s5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by ricon corporation. the platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence:
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. when the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners to take buses to a ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. the recall began on october 1, 2014. owners may contact blue bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. blue bird's number for this recall is r14xn.
Notes:
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
14V511000 on 08/18/2014
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Affected:
90
Defect:
Blue bird body company (blue bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 all american, 2007-2010 micro bird, and 2007-2014 vision non-school buses equipped with certain model s2005, s2010, s5005, s5010, s5505, and s5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured by ricon corporation. the platform side plate of the affected wheelchair lifts may crack.
Consequence:
If the platform side plates crack, the lift platform can separate from the lift and come to rest against the vehicle's lift door. when the doors are opened, the platform may fall out, increasing the risk of injury to the lift operator.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners to take buses to a ricon dealer or service center who will install supplemental platform support bumpers. any platform that has already started cracking will be replaced, free of charge. the recall began on october 1, 2014. owners may contact blue bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242 or ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884. blue bird's number for this recall is r14xn.
Notes:
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
15V731000 on 11/03/2015
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
03/05/2006 - 11/15/2009
Affected:
90
Defect:
Blue bird body company (blue bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 all american and vision and 2007-2011 micro bird transit buses equipped with certain model s2005, s2010, s5005, s5010, s5505, and s5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured january 1, 2006, to august 25, 2014 by the ricon corporation. the affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence:
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. this failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners, and ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. the platform will be inspected for cracks. any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. the recall began on december 1, 2015. owners may contact blue bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
Notes:
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign:
15V730000 on 11/03/2015
Component:
Equipment adaptive
Manufactured:
02/26/2006 - 01/17/2010
Affected:
5,114
Defect:
Blue bird body company (blue bird) is recalling certain model year 2007-2015 all american, vision, 2007-2011 micro bird, and 2007-2008 conventional school buses, equipped with certain model s2005, s2010, s5005, s5010, s5505, and s5510 wheelchair lifts manufactured january 1, 2006, to august 25, 2014 by the ricon corporation. the affected lifts are equipped with folding link arms that may have pivot holes that are too big, allowing the bearings to move out of position.
Consequence:
If the bearings move out of position, the stowed platform may have excessive movement resulting in failure of the platform mounting. this failure could cause the wheel chair lift platform to fall out of the vehicle when the doors are opened, increasing the risk of injury for the lift operator.
Correction:
Blue bird will notify owners, and ricon dealers will inspect the link arms for damage or for displaced bearings. the platform will be inspected for cracks. any damaged parts will be replaced, free of charge. the recall began on december 1, 2015. owners may contact blue bird customer service at 1-478-822-2242, or ricon customer service at 1-800-322-2884.
Notes:
Owners may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (tty 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2008 BLUE BIRD MICRO BIRD TSBs (2)

Bulletin:
SM1601
Component:
355200 equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Summary:
Blue bird troubleshooting guides: blue bird announcement of the addition of troubleshooting guides for assisting in the service of the blue bird products. these troubleshooting guides are available on the vantage website.
Bulletin:
SM1608
Component:
355200 equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Summary:
New blue bird support center - technical bus support: dealer memo to announce the new on-line blue bird support center for technical bus support requests.

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